Arts & Culture

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich.—Community members are invited to show their support for veterans by taking part in Kenowa Hills High School’s Homes For A Hero event.

Right now, students are busy preparing for the fundraising event, which will take place May 2 at Kenowa Hills High School, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The celebration will include a silent auction, cook-out and live entertainment as well as a ceremony recognizing veterans and active military members.

Homes For A Hero will also include a varsity rugby game between Kenowa Hills and Grand Haven, starting at 6 p.m. Kenowa Hills’ team will be sporting camouflage jerseys for the game. After the match-up, the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society will hold swing dancing under the stadium lights, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

KENT COUNTY, Mich.— The Kent Intermediate School District is getting a federal boost to physical and nutritional education programs.

U.S. Department of Education has awarded 67 grants totaling more than $33 million to local education agencies and community-base organizations. Only two groups in Michigan were awarded funding; KISD is getting $429,404 for programs to help K-12 students develop healthy lifestyles and meet state standards for physical education.

“A healthy, active lifestyle is an important ingredient of academic success,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. “These grants are a resource to help schools and communities develop programs that teach students the importance of staying active and developing healthy lifestyles. We need more states, districts, schools and communities to recognize the critically important role of physical education in improving student engagement and achievement.”

SPARTA, Mich.—A music tour aimed at preventing bullying among teenagers is making its rounds in West Michigan.

The Teen Nation Anti-Bullying Music Tour kicked off Monday morning at Sparta High School. The 90-minute performances feature young Top 40 recording artists who are also speaking out against bullying. This tour’s headliners include former ‘X Factor’ contestant J Ryan, 14, of San Antonio, Texas; and Tristan Blaine, 14, of Frisco, Texas. Additional guest performers include Faith Marie Shirley, 15 of San Antonio, Texas; Collin Kozola, 17, of Naperville, Illinois, Radio Disney star Celeste Kellogg, 18, of Smithville, Virginia; and Branden Mendoza, 20, of New Carney, Texas.

KALAMAZOO, MIch.-- On Thursday, April 3, students at Paramount Charter Academy had the opportunity to duct tape their principal to the gymnasium wall.

The students have been logging their reading hours throughout March for a chance to duct tape their principal or dean as a reading reward. For each book read, the students earned a duct tape raffle ticket. The top reader in each wing got to choose who they wanted to duct tape to the wall.

The event is a way to celebrate the end of a successful March is Reading Month.

Paramount Charter Academy, located in Kalamazoo, is a free public charter school serving students in young 5s through eighth grade.

KENT COUNTY, Mich.—Heart of West Michigan United Way is seeking nominations for its inaugural GIVE, ADVOCATE and VOLUNTEER awards.

The awards are meant to celebrate nonprofits, companies and people who have made a difference in the community. The GIVE Award goes to a company that has displayed generosity within the community, and created a culture of giving within its organization last year.

The ADVOCATE Award honors a person or nonprofit organization who leads and works with people to improve the health and wellness of the community, leaving a lasting impact on Kent County.

The VOLUNTEER Award goes to a company that promotes and provides year-round opportunities for employees to volunteer within their community, improving Kent County.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Blandford Nature Center will offer the community a glimpse into the history of maple syrup production during its Sugarbrush Tours March 8 and March 15.

Participants can learn how maple syrup was created by Native Americans and pioneers, as well as modern methods. Visitors can also peek inside the Blandford Sugar House during the tours, which run from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Registration is required for these informative tours, which are open to all ages. The cost is $3 for members and $6 for non-members. To register or for more information, call (616) 735-6240 or visit www.blandfordnaturecenter.org.

Blandford Nature Center is located at 1715 Hillburn Avenue NW in Grand Rapids.

Through the Genre Derby, KDL hopes to raise $10,000 for digital and physical books. That’s just a fraction of the $300,000 that’s been slashed from the library’s budget since 2013.

“Our overall budget has been cut by over $2 million in the past three years from changes in tax valuation and personal property tax,” explained KDL Development Manager Linda Krombeen.

Despite the cuts, KDL is using technology and restructuring to avoid laying off staff.

The Genre Derby allows patrons to direct donations to the type of books they read most. First United Credit Union is pledging to match 50 percent of all donor gifts during the Genre Derby, up to $1,500.